I know that security is a bit of a show and its really more of a deterant, but I was wondering realistically how I could prevent someone breaking and entering a small-ish American home? What is actually effective?

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[–] 43 points 10 months ago (11 children)

Reinforce your doorframes and window frames, preferably with steel. The dinky pine wood frames of residential doors and windows are hilariously easy to kick in, and the thickest steel door and the meanest window bars in the world won't mean much when an attacker can simply kick them out of the frame with a minimum of effort.

You will probably find that doing this is in fact deemed illegal by at least one entity in your local hierarchy of state/county/municipality. I'll give everyone three guesses as to why.

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  • [–] 15 points 10 months ago (2 children)

    Any properly framed door or window won't be the failure point. It's usually the fasteners. Deadbolts usually only come with dinky little half inch screws for the strike plate. Replace those with some 2.5" deck screws and it'll be much harder to kick open.

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  • [–] 6 points 10 months ago (4 children)

    Is it because it'd make us less safe?

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  • [–] [S] 12 points 10 months ago (3 children)

    I believe in some areas fire is a valid concern. But I also imagine if you do it right, it doesnt matter as much.

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  • [–] 3 points 10 months ago (1 child)

    Is it because it might be harmful to the environment?

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  • [–] [S] 10 points 10 months ago*

    No its just harder to get out in case of a fire. But thats just spitballing. I know that's why you cant put bars on all windows or totally obstruct exits. Fire is much MUCH more likely to happen than a break and entering. At least where I am at. People need to get out in case of a fire. But im pretty sure there are still ways of protecting yourself instead of just bars.

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